U-Matic

Archer @ Tiger Opening Day 041194

U-Matic tape containing footage shot of Mayor Dennis Archer at Tiger Stadium on opening day, April 11, 1994, where he threw the ceremonial first pitch. While the video is not silent, the sound is extremely faint. This footage was recorded over a presentation about Op-Com's Headstarter--a computer database program designed to track enrollment in Head Start programs--and some of that material remains at the end of the tape.

The video begins with footage of players warming up on the field and a pan across the stands. Archer is then shown clad in a Tigers hat and jersey, talking to Sparky Anderson, and posing for photos. The camera then pans back and forth across players and other team personnel in the dugout. After another cut Archer is shown talking to more people while surrounded by camera and microphones. He is joined by Sonny Eliott, the traditional opening day ceremonial umpire.

After another cut, the camera is positioned to film the team as they are introduced onto the field. Sparky Anderson, Cecil Fielder, Travis Fryman, Mickey Tettleton, and Junior Felix are among those shown. Archer, Governor John Engler are then filmed while standing for the National Anthem. Following more footage of the stands, Archer then talks to more people on the field.

Archer then takes the mound, and throws two pitches to the catcher. As Archer walks from the field, and through the stands to his seat, he stops to talk and shake hands with several people.

The video is on a 3M UCA-30s U-Matic S tape, with a City of Detroit Department of Public Information Video Production label on its top, as well as the handwritten note "Tape #2" directly on the tape's shell. The tape is housed within a black plastic latching case with a Department of Public Information label on its cover.